Palestinian American Bar Association Hosts Inaugural National Conference and Gala in Reston, Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 14, 2025 — The Palestinian American Bar Association (PABA) hosted its Inaugural National Conference and Gala from October 10–12 in Reston, Virginia, convening more than 400 attorneys, judges, legal academics, students, and allies from across the United States for a landmark celebration of Palestinian-American legal excellence, professional empowerment, and community leadership.

Under the theme “Honoring Our Heritage, Harnessing Our Power,” the three-day gathering marked the first-ever national gathering of Palestinian American legal professionals. Palestinian American attorneys from across the country– spanning Big Law, corporate in-house counsel, solo practitioners, academia, and public service—came together to connect, learn, and build community.

A Legacy of Leadership and Advancement

In her remarks, PABA President Dalal Hasan reflected on the historic significance of the gathering:

“This moment marks more than a milestone—it is the beginning of a legacy. For the first time, Palestinian-American attorneys from across the nation gathered not only to celebrate who we are, but to affirm that our community belongs in every corner of the legal profession. PABA’s mission is to ensure that Palestinian-American legal professionals are not merely represented, but advanced to contribute meaningfully across the field—from the courtroom to the classroom, from law firms to public service—so that identifying ourselves as Palestinian is no longer a source of fear, but of pride and empowerment. Together, we are building an enduring institution that secures our representation, advances our leadership, and ensures that every Palestinian-American attorney finds not just opportunity, but belonging.”

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

PABA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its generous event sponsors, whose partnership helped make this historic event possible, especially our Champion Sponsors: AZA, Aqel & Associates, Brotman Nusbaum Ibrahim & Adelman, Investology, MillerMusmar CPAs, SAGE Private Wealth Group, Shehadeh Giannamore PLLC, Samer Habbas & Associates, and Shamieh Shamieh & Ternieden.

At the bottom of this page we acknowledge our Champion, Advocate, and Ally Sponsors.

PABA Executive Board Members from Left to Right: Jawad Muaddi (Treasurer), Jalal Shehadeh (Director), Jill Keblawi (Secretary), Dalal Hasan (President), Gabe Khoury (Vice President), Peter Farah (Director), and Ali Alsarraf (Director).

‍Founded in 2024, the Palestinian American Bar Association (PABA) is the first and only national bar association dedicated to empowering, advancing, and connecting Palestinian-American attorneys, law students, and judges within the legal profession.

For more information, visit www.pabalaw.org.